When someone wants to display a skull, the first step is to clean it. Some people might not know that there are actually several different types of skull cleaning. It is important for people to understand how each method is performed along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. With this in mind, there are a few options for cleaning a skull.
Burying the Skull
The oldest technique used to clean a skull is to simply let nature run its course. Some people call this composting. In this method, the skull is taken and buried in the ground. Once buried, nature is going to take its course. The flesh and meat from the skull will decay naturally. The various proteins and nutrients will serve as a source of food for plants and animals. Sadly, there are a few disadvantages to this method. First, it can take several months for the skull to become completely clean. Furthermore, the dirt and other chemicals can cause a reaction that may end up turning the skull yellow. This is less than pleasant.
Boiling the Skull
The next option is a bit more involved. In this method, the skull is submerged in a pot of boiling water. This is going to cause the skull and water to look unpleasant; however, the hot water will get the job done. Unfortunately, there is an annoying side effect to this as well. The hot water is going to cause the bones to become soft. This means that the skull is going to be brittle. This makes the skull fragile and could cause it to break.
Skull Cleaning with Beetles
One of the most effective methods of cleaning a skull is done using beetles. There are specific beetles that are used to clean skulls. They actually eat the flesh of dead animals. This makes them very effective at cleaning skulls. They are tiny and can actually fit into the various nooks and crannies of the skull. This includes the nasal cavity. Furthermore, this is actually a very hands-off method of cleaning because the beetles are going to do all the work. This is one of the most effective methods out there when it comes to cleaning a skull. These beetles are very effective and will not cause any changes in the texture or color of the skull.
Selecting the Right Method of Cleaning a Skull
These are the most common methods used to clean a skull. It is important to choose the cleaning method carefully. This can have a major impact on the quality of the final product and how it looks once displayed on the wall. Make sure the skull is thoroughly cleaned before it is mounted.